HC Deb 18 November 1958 vol 595 c983
2. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Works how much fuel expressed in tons of coal equivalent per annum, has been saved by fuel efficiency measures, including thermal insulation, in all Government buildings administered by his Department.

Mr. H. Nicholls

It is very approximately estimated that about 16,000 tons per annum of fuel, in coal equivalent, are being saved now as compared with 1950–51 by fuel efficiency measures in Government buildings in which the heating installations are stoked or maintained by the Department. My right hon. Friend has given instructions that all houses built by the Department should have suitable thermal insulation in the roof, but I cannot estimate the amount of fuel that this will save.

Mr. Nabarro

That is a very encouraging Answer, but will my hon. Friend give the House an assurance that the present large surplus of small coals will not in any way undermine or diminish his enthusiasm for a continuing policy of fuel efficiency in his Department?

Mr. Nicholls

As my hon. Friend would expect, my right hon. Friend will take into account the common-sense results which have flowed from the experience gained so far.